If you have been affected by the MOVEIt cybersecurity breach, but had less sensitive information stolen, then you will soon receive a letter from the province.
For those with less sensitive information stolen, such as names, addresses, license plate numbers and email addresses, you will not receive credit monitoring or fraud protection coverage because there is a low risk of identity theft or fraud.
“We made the decision about offering credit monitoring and fraud protection carefully, considering best practice. We have also discussed this and other issues with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner as we move forward with our breach response,” said Cyber Security and Digital Solutions Minister Colton LeBlanc. “I know many people are worried about the potential for identity theft and fraud. I encourage all Nova Scotians, whether they’ve been impacted by this breach or not, to take steps to keep themselves cyber safe. Unfortunately, these incidents are becoming a reality in the digital age, and it’s up to us all to take steps to protect ourselves.”
Over 100,000 were affected when the file sharing system used by the government was hacked back in May. It affected 81, 000 civil servants, NS Health and IWK employees, who have already received notification of sensitive personal information being stolen.
Roughly 44,000 teachers will soon receive their letters as well.
Quick Facts:
— the breach took place May 30-31, before the Province was aware of the global vulnerability of the MOVEit file transfer system
— scammers often use incidents like this to prey on people; the Province will not ask for social insurance numbers, MSI numbers, banking information or money when it notifies impacted Nova Scotians
— Nova Scotians who are offered credit monitoring services can provide this information to TransUnion when they sign up for the service, since it helps the company match their identity and take full advantage of the service
— neither of Canada’s credit monitoring agencies offer credit monitoring and fraud protection to young people under 18
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